Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka Anite, and the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama, are unanimous that the judiciary upholding the wheel of justice will inspire confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
Speaking at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Judges’ Workshop held in Abuja yesterday, Shettima highlighted how effective dispute resolution mechanisms would boost investor confidence and market stability.
Themed, ‘Repositioning the Nigerian Capital Market for National Economic Transformation through Effective Dispute Resolution’, the workshop brought together the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges, the Attorney General, the SEC officials, and key legal practitioners.
The Vice President submitted that a strong and trustworthy capital market was fundamental to national economic transformation. He noted that beyond its role as a trading platform, the capital market would mobilise long-term funds crucial for infrastructure, business expansion, and job creation, all vital to Nigeria’s development goals amid a young and growing population.
According to Shettima, investor trust hinges on a legal system capable of resolving disputes promptly and fairly,especially in financial markets where timing is critical.He urged judges to deepen their knowledge of capital market laws and work closely with the SEC to uphold market integrity.
He also reassured participants of the government’s commitment to supporting judicial independence and improving access to justice, including through alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation and arbitration, aimed at easing court congestion and speeding up settlements.
In his remarks, Agama said the workshop sought to build judicial capacity, encourage consistency in rulings, and foster collaboration between regulators and the judiciary.
He commended the President and the National Assembly for the successful passage and signing into law of the Investments and Securities Act, 2025.
He said: “The ISA 2025 is a legislative success, a legal milestone and a reform that ushers in a new era for our capital market. By enacting this progressive law, Nigeria has taken a bold step toward fostering a more transparent, efficient, resilient and secure investment climate. The diligent efforts of the Executive and Legislative arms in ensuring the seamless passage of this Act reflect a shared commitment to economic growth, financial stability and sustainable development.”
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in her contribution, said the capital market was no longer a distant abstraction limited to high finance or institutional investors, adding that it had become a critical lever of economic participation and empowerment.
The CJN described the recent enactment of the Investments and Securities Act, 2025, as a welcome development, adding that the provisions offered enhanced regulatory clarity and investor protection mechanisms.
She added: “Our task, therefore, is to breathe life into these five statutory instruments and to give them meaning that aligns with legislative intent, commercial logic, and ethical consciousness.”
